Stock market game

ABSTRACT

This invention relates to an improved game combining the features of a stock trading game having stock certificates, short transaction certificates, special envelopes for transactions prepared for easy handling of certificates, markers for arbitrage transactions, stock quotes and market condition cards, dice of different colors, and other apparatus resulting in an easy to learn and relatively uncomplicated means of transacting operations of the game without losing competitive challenge of playing the game.

United States Patent 1191 Cass 1 Nov. 6, 1973 [5 STOCK MARKET GAME 2,526,300 10/1950 Todd 273/135 c [76] Inventor: Donald T. Cass, 29511 Jefferson,

Apt. C-6, St. Clair Shor Mi h Primary Examiner-Anton O. Oechsle 4808l Assistant ExaminerMarvin Siskin'd 1 Att -D 'd A. 221 Filed: June 27, 1972 [21] Appl. No.: 266,591 ABSTRACT [52] U 8 Cl 273/135 C This invention relates to an improved game combining [51] "A63b 63/10 the features ofa stock trading game having stock certif- [58] Field R 135 A "icates, short transaction certificates, special'envelopes 273/135 AD AB 135 for transactions prepared for easy handling of certifi- B 135 BC C R 13635 136 137 cates, markers for arbitrage transactions, stock quotes R and market condition cards, dice of different colors, and other apparatus resulting in an easy to learn and [56] References Cited relatively uncomplicated means of transacting operations of the game without losing competitive challenge UNITED STATES PATENTS of playing the game 2,088,95] 8/1937 Fry 273/l35 C 3,163,424 12/1964 Lindsey 273/135 C 3 Claims, 10 Drawing Figures r4 I 1 xx 9s 1 i 6 cr0 o 7 6 6 1., (a QNI'IHO L L auonsuo TL V r"- O 3 11. V :2: a S N H V A awn-nun wvuouvuazlm a1: aver/9550; 1 LE 53-; is

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S M w m P w w 5 S N 0 w .w w m 0 w m w, A M w s H To M w m A Q m STOCK MARKET GAME This invention relates generally to a stock market game. More particularly, this invention relates to a stock market game having convenient apparatus not only for purchase and sale of stock but also for short transactions, and arbitrage transactions in a manner that provides a pleasing and intellectual competitive challenge.

Numerous attempts have been made to devise games simulating stock market operations. None have all of the features and advantages of the present invention although some combine some of these features and some of these advantages.

Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide a stock market game for entertainment and educational purposes that provides an intellectual and competitive challenge to players without requiring unduly complicated apparatus for operations in the playing of the game, yethaving a sufficient number of realistic elements present to provide an interesting simulation of certain market operations.

Itis another object of this invention to provide a game simulating stock market operations in an interesting, yet uncomplicated fashion that is inexpensive and economical to make use and market. I

These and other objects are provided by a game that comprises a game board which is substantially square in shape. There are eight stock areas designated by color and identification by name in the center of the board. Four stock areas are on one side of the board and four on the other side. In the center of the board is an array of four rectangular areas is designated as a space for quote cards. A large plurality of quote cards are available for placing on the quote card blank areas in the center of the game. Only a portion of these cards are used in the actual game.

Within each of the stock-designated areas on the board is not only the identification of the particular stock, for example, Leisure Time Industries, but also a space for a number in large black lettering at the head of such space. This space corresponds to the initial price of this stock and also is a space for placing quote cards on top of this initial space to indicate changes in price stock splits or other changes in the game status of that particular stock such as suspension of trading or bankruptcy of that particular stock.

Also indicated in each of the stock areas is an average price which is made in large red letters and then to the left and right, respectively, are the high and low prices that each of these stocks can reach within the playing of the game. At the extreme right and left of the board, is a long rectangular space to hold, or for placing of, long trays. Each of these trays contain spaces for share ownership slips, which can either be short or long, separate pockets for each of the four stock areas to which it is placed opposite. There is a color coding between the designated stock areas and a long and short shares corresponding to these stock areas.

In addition to the above designated physical elements of the game already described on the board, there is a supply of play money, and also three separate folders, or small folders, for holding stock of various types. One of these folders is the short folder. In the playing of the game, a player sticks one or more short share certificates in one side of the short folder and the other side with the amount to be paid for that stock and an equal amount in the bank, when selling short.

Another type of folder is the arbitrage long folder. This is a special feature of the game. When a player chooses an arbitrage long transaction, he places a long share of the stock in an arbitrage long folder. When there is a change in price, that is the next change in price in that particular stock, he must execute his arbitrage long transaction. There is also an arbitrage short folder to be used similarly as a long, except for the inclusion of the special rules with regard to short transactions.

During an arbitrage transaction initiation, an arbitrage marker of the player is placed next to the stock area in which he has chosen an arbitrage transaction. When the arbitrage transaction is closed, that marker is removed.

In the operation of the game, there is a price change after each player completes his transaction in his turn or if he passes. Theend of the game is determined when the last card in each of the four quote card stacks is about to be turned over. At this point, no other purchasing or selling of shares can be made, except for the final cashing in. When each of the final cards are turned over, which is the last step of the game, each player then turns in whatever he has, and the person with the most money wins.-

ON THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a plan view of a board and associated apparatus used in the preferred embodiment of this invention;

FIG. 2 is a side view of a plastic tray holding stock certificates in the preferred embodiment of this invention;

FIG. 3 is a three dimensional projectional view of dice used in the preferred embodiment of this invention;

FIG. 4 is a plan view of play money used in the preferred embodiment of this invention;

FIG. 5 is a plan view of a stock certificate used in the preferred embodiment of this invention;

FIG. 6 is a plan view of apparatus indicating an arbitrage short transaction in the preferred embodiment of this invention;

FIG. 7 is an apparatus used in indicating an arbitrage long transaction in the preferred embodiment of this invention;

FIG. 8 is an apparatus indicating a short transaction in the preferred embodiment of this invention;

FIG. 9 is a view of arbitrage transaction symbols used in the preferred embodiment of this invention; and

FIG. 10 is a plan view of transaction note sheets used in the preferred embodiment of this invention.

Before explaining the present invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application as to details of construction and arrangement of parts illustrated in the accompanying drawings, since the invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in various ways.

Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology is for the purpose of description and not of limitation.

AS SHOWN ON THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 shows a board used in the preferred embodiment of this invention. The board 10 indicates as a field portions 1 1 and 12 each for location of stock areas and for trays l3 and 14 respectively. Area 15 in the center of the board running along the center and parallel to the trays 13, 14 is provided for four areas 16, 17, 18, 19 for holding quote cards. A side view of one of the trays 13 is shown as FIG. 2.

The area 11 is reserved for stock certificates both long and short carried in the stock tray 13 for the shares indicated by Leisure Time Industries; Pollution Control; Computer Sales; and Cinema Arts at stock areas 20, 21, 22 and 23 respectively. Similarly the area 12 supports the tray 14 which holds the long and short certificates faced directly across from areas 24, 25, 26 and 27 designated for Offshore Drilling; Zip Airlines, International Auto; and A.T.&D. respectively.

Each of the stock designation areas such as stock designation area 20 for Leisure Time Industries has a space 28 for placement of a quote card an initial number such as the numeral 12 in space 29 indicates the initial price for the stock prior to the time that a quote card is placed thereon.

The space 29 is usually white having the numerals in large black letters. Adjacent the space 29 is a space that has a color characteristic to that particular stock and has the name of the stock usually in characteristic lettering. A central number in red is indicated such as the number 21 for Leisure Time Industries, this indicates the average price of that stock. Small numbers such as the numbers 50 and 6 indicate the high and low values of that particular stock. In this particular case, the high value for Leisure Time Industries stock is 50 and the low value is 6. Thus the board in the preferred embodiment of this invention indicates the average, ultimate high and ultimate low and current price for each stock in the game. It may also be observed that a marker 30 is shown in the field 29. This marker is an arbitrage marker such as one of those indicated in FIG. 9. Each player has his own characteristic arbitrage marker and he can use up to two of them at any given time. Explanation of the arbitrage marker and the arbitrage transaction will be explained more fully below.

FIG. 7 shows an arbitrage long envelope 50 containing a share certificate 45. It will be observed that the arbitrage long envelope is longer than the width of the share certificate but shorter than the length of the share certificate, so that a share certificate peeps or extends beyond the top of the arbitrage long envelope 50.

FIG. 8 shows a short transaction envelope 52. In a manner similar to the arbitrage short envelope 48 the short envelope has a length that is the same as or less than that of play money 46 and a width that is shorter than the length of a share certificate 45.

FIG. 9 shows several different colored arbitrage markers 30. Each color is representative of one players arbitrage transaction.

In the preferred embodiment of this game, each player can utilize up to two arbitrage transaction markers 30.

FIG. shows a chart 54 that can be used by players to record transactions indicating both the number of shares purchased or sold (long or short positions respectively), and the price at such transaction.

The tray 13 is shown in top view of FIG. 1 and in a side view in FIG. 2 is preferably made of a plastic that has some rigidity and hardness. The tray comprises a bottom portion 30 that is essentially a flat piece of plastic. Wall members 32 are provided and section or divider portions 34 are provided as vertical upstanding wall members rigidly adhered to the bottom portion 30 to provide enclosure for share certificates 36. The tray is preferably made by molding plastic.

A pair of dice 38 and 40 respectively are shown in FIG. 3. Die 38 is of one color and die 40 of a different color. These colors are preferably red and white respectively. One of these die representthe die to be thrown for the number of shares maximum that can be sold in round lots and the other die represents the num ber of shares that can be bought in round lots. FOr example, when a player takes his turn, if the red die shows number 2 and the white die shows a number 1 on top as indicated in FIG. 3, that means the player has the option of selling two round lots or buying one round lot of the stock of his choice. i

FIG. 4 shows the preferred embodiment of play money used in this game. Play money certificates 41 refers, 42, 43 and 44 refer to 100, 500, 1,000, and 10,000 dollar play money certificates respectively.

FIG. 5 shows a certificate 45 of a share certificate. Share certificates are designated as either long or short and are shown in round of shares.

FIG. 6 shows an arbitrage short envelope 48 containing a share certificate 45 and play money designated in FIG. 6 by the number generally 46. It will be observed that the share certificate is longer than the width of the arbitrage short envelope and that the play money is longer than or the same as the length of the arbitrage short envelope, which can be notched as shown in FIG. 6. This is done in order to readily indicate that the money and certificates have been placed in the arbitrage short envelope when the envelope is utilized. This serves as a reminder to the players what transaction has taken place. Further comment on the arbitrage short transaction will be made.

In the preferred embodiment of this invention, each player is assigned a different color. Each player receives two arbitrage markers of the color to which he is assigned. Quotation cards are placed in the positions 16, 17, 18 and 19 indicated on the board.

At the beginning of the game the first player rolls the dice. He is allowed to buy or sell round lots up to what is indicated on the roll of the dice of any of the eight different stocks indicated on the board at the prices indicated in the original positions 20 through 23 and 24 through 27. He pays for the stock at the price indicated or shorts at the price indicated. If a player selects to sell short he takes the short envelope indicated in FIG. 8. For example, if he decides to short one roind lot, he then takes a one round lot short share certificate of the stock that he is selling and then he puts into the envelope an amount equal to 100 times the value of such share indicated in the space 21 through 23 or 24 through 27 which corresponds to the space of that particular stock quote and then he puts an equal amount of money in from the bank in the positions indicated in FIG. 8. In taking a short position, the player can cover his short at whatever turn he chooses. If he chooses to make an arbitrage short transaction he does the same thing as he does in a short transaction except in addition he puts an arbitrage marker of his on the space for that stock such as a space 29.

In an arbitrage transaction the next time there is a change in price due to a quote card being placed in a space 20 through 23 or 24 through 27 corresponding to that particular stock then the arbitrage transaction is immediately executed. The same is true for an arbitrage long transaction in which the player sticks a long share of that particular stock for each round lot he buys in the arbitrage long envelope indicated in FIG. 7.

In covering a short transaction, a player pays to the bank the price of the shares covered from the money in the short or arbitrage short envelopes. The balance 5 of the money in the envelopes after such payment then reverts to the player. Upon execution of an .arbitrage long transaction, the player receives the cash equivalent to the new price times the number of shares comquote cards therein,

e. a plurality of trays placed on the playing board of such a size and shape to hold round lot stock certificates for both long and short transactions,

f. a plurality of round lot stock certificates so shaped and sized to fit into the trays,

G. two sets of visually distinguishable arbitrage 'markers for placing on the stock spaces for identifying the player making the arbitrage transaction,

h. play money,

.i. a first set of envelopes having upper and side openings for holding stock certificates and money respectively for short and arbitrage short transactions,

j. a second set of envelopes having substantially less width than the first envelopes for arbitrage long transactions and being open at the top and sides for holding stock certificates,

k. said envelopes and said money and stock certificates having such comparative dimensions that the money and certificates will extend outwardly of the envelopes when placed therein, and

1. two differently colored dice having numbers indicia on each face, one color die indicating the number of round lots that can be purchased long and the second indicating the number of round lots that can be sold or sold short.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 and record sheets for recording long and short positions in both numbers of shares, price and stock identification.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said first set of envelopes are notched in the upper left hand corner thereof to allow viewing of play money placed in said envelopes. 

1. In a game for simulating stock market transactions, the improvements comprising: a. a substantially square playing board, b. spaces marked on the playing board for indentification of different kinds of stocks, c. quote cards, d. positions for placement of said quote cards marked on the board and sized to permit placement of the quote cards therein, e. a plurality of trays placed on the playing board of such a size and shape to hold round lot stock certificates for both long and short transactions, f. a plurality of round lot stock certificates so shaped and sized to fit into the trays, G. two sets of visUally distinguishable arbitrage markers for placing on the stock spaces for identifying the player making the arbitrage transaction, h. play money, i. a first set of envelopes having upper and side openings for holding stock certificates and money respectively for short and arbitrage short transactions, j. a second set of envelopes having substantially less width than the first envelopes for arbitrage long transactions and being open at the top and sides for holding stock certificates, k. said envelopes and said money and stock certificates having such comparative dimensions that the money and certificates will extend outwardly of the envelopes when placed therein, and l. two differently colored dice having numbers indicia on each face, one color die indicating the number of round lots that can be purchased long and the second indicating the number of round lots that can be sold or sold short.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 and record sheets for recording long and short positions in both numbers of shares, price and stock identification.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said first set of envelopes are notched in the upper left hand corner thereof to allow viewing of play money placed in said envelopes. 